Toyota Motor North America has announced plans to build a battery lab in Michigan, as well as funding a program for kids in STEM, Detroit Free Press reports.

The automaker is investing $50 million into a battery lab that will be located at its North American Research & Development headquarters in York Township. 

The lab will be used to evaluate batteries for electric vehicles and to make sure they meet the requirements for performance and durability. According to Toyota spokesperson Olivia Boisineau, the company “does not expect to make any additional hires and is instead planning to use existing team members in the new lab.” It is expected to open in 2025.

Additionally, the Toyota USA Foundation will be putting almost $10 million into a five-year program from Eastern Michigan University and Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) that will expand hands-on learning for STEM students in Ypsilanti and Lincoln schools. 

“Our goal is to increase awareness of future STEM careers while helping build sustainable programs in the communities where our Toyota team members live and work,” stated Toyota's Group Vice President of Social Innovation, Tellis Bethel.